Participation rates for competition in Running vs. Swimming
Former Member
How do these compare?
It seems to me that the number of competitors in Masters swim meets is so small compared to the number of "fitness" swimmers (including swimmers in Masters groups).
Then again there are a lot of joggers that likely never do so much as a 5k.
Parents
Former Member
I meant to ask in terms of X% of fitness swimmers (those that are already swimming) compete in meets vs. Y% of joggers compete in races. I suppose such stats likely don't exist.
But I'm really more concerned with my observation that Masters swim meets do not attract many slower swimmers. If I look at the 100 free times for 40-44 men, the vast majority of times are under one minute. If you go over 1:10 that puts you in the bottom 50 out of 476 swimmers.
From the few 5ks I've ran, it seems you have a lot more people just happy to do their best and complete the race. Its commonplace to have walkers that take 45 minutes or more.
The intimidation factor is what I think keeps beginners from competing in swimming. If I hadn't been on the blocks 30 years ago in age group I doubt I could have done it. But I've also observed that in reality Masters swimmers are very friendly to all levels of swimmers. If people are happy just doing workouts then fine we don't want to force you to compete. I know for myself I like to compete against my times and that what keeps me going.
I meant to ask in terms of X% of fitness swimmers (those that are already swimming) compete in meets vs. Y% of joggers compete in races. I suppose such stats likely don't exist.
But I'm really more concerned with my observation that Masters swim meets do not attract many slower swimmers. If I look at the 100 free times for 40-44 men, the vast majority of times are under one minute. If you go over 1:10 that puts you in the bottom 50 out of 476 swimmers.
From the few 5ks I've ran, it seems you have a lot more people just happy to do their best and complete the race. Its commonplace to have walkers that take 45 minutes or more.
The intimidation factor is what I think keeps beginners from competing in swimming. If I hadn't been on the blocks 30 years ago in age group I doubt I could have done it. But I've also observed that in reality Masters swimmers are very friendly to all levels of swimmers. If people are happy just doing workouts then fine we don't want to force you to compete. I know for myself I like to compete against my times and that what keeps me going.
